Today was one of the hardest days of my life. My family has been devastated by the loss of our beloved brother, Derek. Many of you know him, and many of you have had the honor of being loved by him. He was a bright light snuffed out too soon in a tragic accident that left our family brokenhearted and lost. My mother and father are in shock and disbelief over his sudden passing.

As a single-income family, the cost of a funeral worthy of my dear brother has left us with a lack of funds for funeral expenses as well as living expenses to help during our bereavement period. Any help is greatly appreciated. Derek touched many lives, helped so many people, and brought so much love and happiness to all of our lives. This loss is crippling for us all, and we are looking to you, our extended family, for any help you might be able to provide. We understand these are trying times for us all, so even just a shoulder to cry on would be a blessing for us. Thank you all for just being here, and thank you all so much for loving Derek the way you did.